Last updated: March 2024 With so many resumes out there, what makes a resume stand out and what do hiring managers appreciate? Given law firms typically want to see a more straight-down-the-line resume, it can feel tough to stand out. Here are four key things to remember so that your resume is distinct from your peers: Start with... a short professional summary. This is a short and very specific summary of who you are as a professional and what you are seeking. Done right, this is impactful and punchy and saves the reader any guess work. It should include "your ask" in terms of the role you are seeking. An example: Legal marketer with 18 years of experience in both national and global law firms. Key experience lies in leadership and management roles, and can act as a hybrid in both the strategic and day-to-day. Feedback has consistently centered around being a strong collaborative and energetic team player who can own projects with a solutions-focused approach. Seeking a senior role within a progressive law firm that includes elements of change management, people management, and the opportunity to have upward mobility in years to come. Try to include... the relationships you have built. Even the most qualified and experienced candidates fall into the default pattern of simply listing all their duties. Go beyond this and go deeper. Briefly describe the types of relationships you have with the partners or key leaders. Follow up with how you built that relationship, how you nurtured it, and the lasting effects of this. An example: I successfully brought together 110 attorneys across the firm to form an industry group X which could serve the varying degrees of our banking and corporate clients, including high net wealth and entrepreneurial clients. This included travel to be in person to enhance relationship building and frequent touchpoints with Industry Group Chairs to present key findings and go-to-market strategies. After the start-up phase, most months I would travel to industry conferences with key partners to support their business development efforts, including specific speaking opportunities. For each role... succinctly explain your purpose or focus. Every role you've had was to fulfill a particular need. What was that need and did you achieve it? These little insights give that "laundry list" more credibility and more clarity. An example: Large Law Firm, 2021-present Business Development Manager I am responsible for building a small team of elite players who can support the firms' highest revenue generating Corporate Group, with specialisms in Private Equity, M&A, Securities and Real Estate. Supporting 300+ attorneys across these subgroups and managing three business developers of varying seniority, our group has increased revenue by X and increased its ranking by X. What KHS loves to see... the whole you. You have a personal life and things that "keep your cup full". What is it that keeps you going? Is it friends, family, children, LMA family, hiking, skiing, seeking out a peaceful beach. Whatever those things are, share it with us. We are fascinated by the whole you, and in our experience that often shows another angle or layer which adds to who you are today. Let's celebrate that! Some wonderful examples we've seen over the years: - Marathon runner - Ex-chef - Fly fisherwoman - Amateur photographer - Ballet dancer - Travelled 93 countries and counting Comments are closed.
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AuthorKate Harry Shipham is the Principal of KHS People LLC, an executive search firm for BD and marketing people in professional services firms. Kate has done search and recruiting for 14 years and prior to that was an attorney. She loves what she does, and is always open to continuing the discussion: [email protected] Categories
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